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Plum tree only has leaves at the bottom

a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
in Problem solving
I bought a plum tree intending to plant it last year, but didn’t have the area ready.  It’s had a very hard winter in a pot, lots of things have been lost, and it has only developed leaves at the bottom.  
I’m assuming now it will never be a nice shape. Would it be the best thing to cut out the leader and consider if it can be a fan or step over? If I cut out the trunk, does that make it vulnerable and should I treat it with something? 


Posts

  • Shauna2021Shauna2021 Posts: 53
    I dont have an answer for you, but here is a bump - and I will watch with interest as my plum, which I bought and planted in autumn, has no leaves whatsoever yet - just a couple of flowers! 
  • StephenSouthwestStephenSouthwest Posts: 635
    I think it would be a mistake to assume it can never be a nice shape - pruning and training can work wonders...
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2023
    It does look to me as if the top has died off … not surprising if, as you say, it had a difficult set of circumstances to cope with during the winter. 

    I would wait a while just to be sure, but if there’s no sign of life in a few weeks and you want to keep the tree then I’d do as you suggest and take the top out and aim to fan-train it. 

    Remember, as with all prunus, to only prune it in early summer to avoid if contracting Silver Leaf disease. Early June will be ideal. 

    No need to seal the cuts. It does more harm than good. 

    Between now and then you can prepare a really good planting spot and support to train it against. 

    Good luck 🤞 





    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    Thanks for the advice, I’ll do as suggested. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I can't tell from the picture, but make sure that there's green growth coming from above the graft (if there is one).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • a1154a1154 Posts: 1,108
    Yes I’m sure I can see the graft and growth is above it. 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    👍
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
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